Premise - What if Kerry Wins?

I read in the summaries of the debate that Kerry intends to double the size of "special forces" (I assume he means in general, as opposed to Army Special Forces a.k.a. The Green Berets). Kerry's plan also includes adding more troops (two more divisions) to our standing troop count. So what if he won, how would this be accomplished?

I can tell you, and this is subjective but backed by personal experience, that under a John Kerry administration, the three non-Marine Corps branches of the military will have difficulty meeting recruitment goals (The Marine Corps consistently meets recruiting goals because of that branch's unique attraction and culture). The contempt for politicians who disrespect the military, either by words or by deed, is very real. (Here, here, here and presently: "The active Army recruited 77,587 soldiers in fiscal year 2004, surpassing its goal of 77,000, Douglas Smith, spokesman for the Army Recruiting Command based at Fort Knox, Ky., said Wednesday. The Army Reserves brought in 21,278, just over the goal of 21,200." (The Leader Online 6 Oct 2004).

While I was serving in the United States Marine Corps, under Clinton, the off-the-record discussions by almost all were that no one wanted to be serving under William J. Clinton. Even more palpable, was the excitement when George W. Bush was running, and won the presidency.

Stories (later shown to be this photo show a continued resistance to Clinton's leadership and legacy. (Though Snopes has declared it incomplete, former Special Forces soldiers and colleagues of mine, have confirmed the gesture, though not necessarily the motive of the soldier in the picture).

If Kerry wins, will he even be able to muster the young men and women of this country to serve with him, as he promises?

Bryan Taylor

UPDATE: Democrat-sponsored Draft Bill Killed